Ayusa International is currently seeking volunteer U.S. host families in Michigan interested in hosting a foreign exchange student for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year

[Chiara is] enthusiastic about everything, and it’s fun to listen to her recount her busy days at Dearborn High School – getting all A’s, playing on the field hockey and now the tennis team.

San Francisco, March 26, 2015 (PRWEB)March 26, 2015

Ayusa International, a non-profit organization that has promoted global learning and leadership through high school student cultural exchanges for more than 34 years, is kicking off its annual search for families in Michigan interested in hosting international students for the 2015-2016 school year.

Ayusa is looking for host families throughout the entire state, specifically in and around:

Saginaw, Flint

Port Huron

Grosse Pointe, Dearborn, Canton

Howell, Mason

Cedar

Ayusa host families who open their home to exchange students contribute to the global community as public diplomats for greater international understanding. Each host family and student creates a lasting relationship that spans the cultural differences between their two nations.

Long-time host family Michael Guerriero and Sue McGrath of Dearborn couldn’t be more excited about their current exchange student, Chiara, 17, from Italy. “She’s enthusiastic about everything, and it’s fun to listen to her recount her busy days at Dearborn High School – getting all A’s, playing on the field hockey and now the tennis team,” says Sue. Sue added that Chiara has also volunteered in the community, painting children’s faces to help firefighters raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy, serving food several times at a food kitchen and loading boxes for a food bank. “Michael and I have also enjoyed learning about Italian culture, especially the food – Chiara has made some terrific dishes for us,” she added.

Ayusa works with diverse families who are interested in hosting an international student of high school age. Families without children, empty nesters, military families, retirees, and single people are all welcome. Ayusa families come from all 50 states and reside in rural, suburban and urban communities.

“Michigan is one of the top destinations for Ayusa exchange students in the U.S.,” said Jessica Anderson, Ayusa Regional Manager for the Midwest. “Our families are known for their adventurousness and enthusiasm in sharing the rich history and traditions of this great region,” she added. “Hosting an exchange student also allows families to learn about other countries and cultures, without the travel. If you’ve ever thought about sharing your Michigan lifestyle with a student from abroad, I encourage you to give us a call, or check out our website to read the many stories of these international friendships that last a lifetime!”

Host families provide the exchange student with three meals a day and a bedroom (private or shared). A professionally trained Ayusa representative supports each host family, student, and local school throughout the program year. Ayusa’s exchange students are 15-18 years old and come from more than 60 countries around the world. All students are fully insured, bring their own spending money and are proficient in English.

The process to apply is simple. Families complete the online application, which includes questions about themselves and local high school, references, and a background check. Once the application is submitted, the local Ayusa Community Representative will conduct an in-home interview. They can also help each family with any questions they may have about the application or process. After families are fully approved, they can select the Ayusa student they would like to host.

About Ayusa
Ayusa International (http://www.ayusa.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit student exchange organization founded in 1981 and an official U.S. Department of State designated Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor. In addition, Ayusa administers high profile grant programs funded by the U.S. Department of State and other organizations. Ayusa is a sister company of Intrax, a family of organizations that provides a lifetime of high-quality educational, work and volunteer programs that connect people and cultures. Intrax is headquartered in San Francisco with offices on four continents.